The Caribbean - Recommend all-inclusive resort DR or MEX

I have never done the all-inclusive deal and usually do the research and bookings on my own, staying in little hotels and exploring the country. However, for this trip we are just looking to spend 10 days or so at the beach and just chill, maybe a couple of excursions but that's it.

Still wondering whether the all-inclusive is the way to go. What attracts me are the usually nice pools and choice of restaurants as well as the nice beaches with direct access. What scares me is the possible populace of these places unless we go real high-end which we can't afford. Two young Ph.D.s with jobs in academe are snobby but not rich. ;)

I looked around but it's hard to even get a bearing when you've never explored this option before.

Here are some of the criteria:

Price: Hotel budget $150 per day and person, less is better

Want:
- direct beach access
- good to very good food (we don't need Euro/American food and like to eat local food), the better the food the happier we are, though
- they should have sailing and/or scuba diving options
- cigar smoking must be allowed on beach or balcony

Do NOT want:
- family populace with young kids
- teens and college kids
- rednecks

The trick will be to eliminate the plebs while still staying within the price limit. If this requires not going all-inclusive I am very ready to consider ordinary resort and hotel recommendations, too.

Thanks for your input,

Till

You should look at the adult-only and slightly higher-end AI. All-inclusive can be a good option for a no-brainer holiday. You do need to know that the higher the cost the better the food. Just about every place will have sailing and SCUBA options but they may be an extra cost.

Vacationstogo.com has the ability to show you adult-only resorts and there are all-inclusive in the list. You might start there.

palm island resort is $400